Cavaliers vs. Knicks Post-Game Stats: Josh Hart Does It All as NY Takes Commanding 2-0 Series Lead

Josh Hart (Image Credits: Imagn)

Cavaliers vs. Knicks Post-Game Stats: Josh Hart Does It All as NY Takes Commanding 2-0 Series Lead

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Debmallya Chakraborty | Last updated May 22, 2026 2:18 AM ET

The Cleveland Cavaliers had a lot of promise coming into the conference finals. Having toiled hard in both rounds, the likes of James Harden and co. expected to clinch a win over the New York Knicks in the first couple of games. Unfortunately, that did not happen. While in the first game, the Cavaliers blew up a healthy lead to lose 104-115, Game 2 turned out to be even more disappointing.

Having already taken a 1-0 lead, the Knicks were looking quite upbeat. And it reflected on their performance as New York kept a stronghold on the game right from the beginning. For the Knicks, Josh Hart emerged as the hero.

Logging in for 33 minutes, the 31-year-old dropped 26 points to ensure a smooth sailing for his team. He also accounted for four rebounds, seven assists, and a couple of steals to round off his incredible night. Courtesy of such a surge, New York won 109-93 while taking a dominating 2-0 lead.

Josh Hart tied his playoff career high through 24 points in Game 2

He was 5-10 on open threes at that point. Entering the game, he was 7-28 on open threes this entire postseason. pic.twitter.com/JyMlKTjx7w
— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) May 22, 2026

Interestingly, this was the highest score for Hart in the playoffs. Showing some impressive results, the Knicks’ star had 10-of-21 shooting from the field while he also nailed 5 free throws out of 11 attempts. Apart from Hart, both Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges chimed in with 19 points. Karl-Anthony Towns dropped 18 while OG Anunoby had 14 points to round off a perfect team game.

Meanwhile, with the pressure now fully on the Cavaliers, the team needs to pull their socks up now.

How Did The Cavaliers Perform Against The Knicks?

On one hand, the Spurs vs. Thunder is turning out to be a thriller. Sadly, for the Knicks vs. Cavaliers, it has been a one-sided affair so far. Till now, James Harden has been struggling significantly. Playing for 32 minutes, the former Los Angeles Clippers’ star could only manage 18 points. Next up, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, too, chimed in with 13 and 14 points, respectively, which did not help the Cavaliers’ cause.

James Harden (Image Credits: Imagn)

The only shining light for the Cavaliers was Donovan Mitchell. After 39 minutes of action, the star player had 26 points to his name. And it was due to such a lackluster showing that the team could only win the first quarter 27-24. From then on, it was all Knicks. Thus, with a lot of problems to address, fans will be eagerly waiting to see what happens next.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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